Redefining Global Leadership for Viksit Bharat: SAGAR, Neighbourhood First & Act East Policies

In an ever-changing environment of international relations, India’s diplomatic journey unfolds with strategic evolution, commitment to regional stability and nuanced approach to new challenges. Shifting from a ‘Look East’ policy to a proactive ‘Act East’ policy with a ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) initiatives jointly emphasize India’s role in shaping geopolitics. India has made remarkable progress in terms of its geopolitical landscape. The Prime Minister of India in the last ten years, has undertaken more than 130 visits covering 70 states around the globe. The idea of ‘Security and Growth for All’ along with efforts in developing the cultural linkages which has shaped the ‘Soft Power Diplomacy’ under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. All these factors have greatly contributed to developing and shaping the landscape of foreign policy of India.

Act East Policy: A Holistic Approach to Indo-Pacific Stability

The Look East policy, which began in 1991, has undergone major changes, including a focus on economic integration with Southeast Asian countries. This reflects a broad and comprehensive strategy that goes beyond economic interests to include socio-cultural cooperation and strategic dimensions. Recent developments such as the India-Vietnam logistics agreement promoting military cooperation demonstrate the emphasis on security of the Act East policy. This represents a departure from the purely economic orientation of the Look East policy, signalling India’s willingness to actively participate in the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region. Policy changes align to address contemporary challenges and align with like-minded partners, as evidenced by India’s active participation in forums such as the Quad.

Economically, India’s ties with Southeast Asian countries have deepened, with trade reaching $131.57 billion in 2022-23. This economic integration will not only strengthen the bilateral relationship but also position India as a key player in regional economic dynamics. Strategically, the Act East policy highlights India’s commitment to the rules-based international order, particularly in fora such as the Quad, where maritime security is a key concern.

The South China Sea, a critical dimension in maintaining regional stability, underscores the strategic importance of the QUAD. Territorial disputes and militarization in this region by various nations, including China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan, highlight the need for cooperative measures. The Act East Policy positions India as a close ally of the Australia-UK-USA (AUKUS) alliance, contributing to efforts in overcoming challenges in the South China Sea.

India’s role in safeguarding vital sea lanes and chokepoints in the Indo-Pacific is emphasized, given its robust economy and naval capabilities. The Act East Policy aligns with India’s commitment to a rules-based international order, particularly advocating for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to ensure equal accessibility in the maritime domain.

(INDIA-ASEAN TRADE from 2017-2022)

India’s Trade with ASEAN	2017- 18	2018- 19	2019- 20	2020- 21	2021- 22	2022- 23
EXPORT (USD Billion)	34.20	37.47	31.55	31.49	42.32	44
%Growth	10.47	9.56	-15.82	-0.19	34.43	3.95
IMPORT (USD Billion)	47.13	59.32	55.37	47.42	68.08	87.57
%Growth	16.04	25.86	-6.66	-14.36	43.57	28.64
TOTAL (USD Billion)	81.34	96.80	86.92	78.90	110.4	131.57

Neighbourhood First Policy: Prioritizing Regional Relationships

India’s historic ties with its neighbours underpin its “Neighbourhood First” policy, which reflects India’s desire to prioritize regional relations and foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Originating from the Gujral Doctrine in the mid-1990s, this policy is a departure from the “big brother” mentality that recognizes asymmetries and supports policies of convenience and mercy. The policy gained momentum when the NDA government took office in 2014 and under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the unprecedented step of inviting all SAARC leaders, including those from Pakistan to the swearing-in ceremony. It represents a commitment to promote sustainability in the immediate environment. Credit lines totalling USD 14.37 billion have been extended to countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Maldives, with a significant portion earmarked for connectivity projects. This financial and infrastructure support aims to build a mutually beneficial foundation for stability and prosperity.

The policy recognizes the important role of peace in South Asia for development, while stressing that strengthening relations with its neighbours is an immediate priority. This policy actively participates in regional diplomacy and promotes political communication through dialogue and common solutions to bilateral issues. It focuses on communications, economic cooperation, technological cooperation, disaster management, and military and defence cooperation. Initiatives like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) grouping and military exercises like Surya Kiran and Sampriti demonstrate India’s commitment to promoting strong ties and regional security. This policy reinforces India’s commitment to shared development and mutual prosperity.

SAGAR Initiative: An Approach to Maritime Cooperation

The Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects India’s commitment to boost cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. SAGAR’s vision is based on several pillars: security, capacity building, collective action, sustainable development and maritime connectivity.

• Security: SAGAR prioritizes improving coastal security to protect land and sea areas. This is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

• Capacity Building: Deepening economic and security cooperation is a key principle in promoting seamless economic trade and maritime security. The plan aims to create the necessary opportunities for sustainable growth.

• Collective Action: SAGAR promotes collective action to combat threats such as natural disasters, maritime piracy, terrorism and emerging non-state actors. Joint efforts ensure a harmonious response to common challenges.

• Sustainable Development: Sustainable regional development is a key focus that emphasizes cooperation between countries for mutual growth. SAGAR envisions a region where economic development is balanced with ecological sustainability. 5.

• Maritime Relations: Trade with countries outside the coasts of India is an important aspect of promoting confidence, respect for maritime rules and peaceful settlement of disputes. SAGAR sees India as a responsible maritime actor contributing to global sustainability.

India’s Diplomatic Development: Strategic Realignment

In short, India’s diplomatic journey from ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East’ and simultaneous adherence to the Neighbourhood First policy and the SAGAR initiative represents a strategic realignment that prioritizes stability and cooperation. Share the prosperity. Policy East positions India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, proactively addressing the region’s challenges and opportunities.

In addition, the Neighbourhood First policy reinforces India’s commitment to maintain strong and respectful relations with its immediate neighbours. The SAGAR initiative provides an overall framework for cooperation in the Indian Ocean region with a focus on security, capacity building, collective action, sustainable development and maritime connectivity. These diplomatic initiatives serve as important examples as India navigates the complex dynamics of the global geopolitical environment. They highlight India’s adaptability to new challenges, its commitment to promoting sustainability and its evolving role as a responsible global actor. In an era where the Indo-Pacific region plays a pivotal role in global geopolitics, India’s diplomatic developments demonstrate India’s strategic foresight and commitment to regional stability and cooperation. As the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly relevant in global geopolitics, India’s diplomatic developments serve as an important example to further shape the discourse on regional stability and cooperation and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.